B30.3

Clinical Causes: Infection by enteroviruses, specifically coxsackievirus 24 and enterovirus 70 Person-to-person contact through contaminated hands, surfaces, or fomites Exposure to droplets from coughs or sneezes of infected individuals Touching or rubbing eyes with contaminated hands

Key Symptoms: Sudden onset of red, inflamed eyes Severe conjunctival injection and hemorrhages (bleeding spots) in the conjunctiva A feeling of grittiness or irritation in the eyes Tearing and increased eye discharge Sensitivity to light (photophobia) Swelling of eyelids Discomfort or mild pain in the eye Possible eyelid swelling and discomfort during movement

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis of acute epidemic hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is primarily based on clinical presentation, notably rapid onset of hemorrhagic conjunctivitis during an epidemic or outbreak setting. Healthcare providers may perform eye examinations to observe bleeding spots and conjunctival inflammation. In some cases, laboratory testing — such as viral cultures or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis — can identify the specific enterovirus responsible, especially during outbreaks to confirm diagnosis and track the causative agent.

Treatment Protocols: Applying cold compresses to soothe eye discomfort Using artificial tears to lubricate the eyes and alleviate irritation Practicing strict eye hygiene to reduce the spread of infection Avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes Discontinuing contact lens use until full recovery Maintaining good hand hygiene and disinfecting contaminated surfaces Using over-the-counter pain relievers or antihistamines to manage discomfort, under medical guidance In severe cases or if secondary infection occurs, a healthcare provider may prescribe topical or systemic medications